Robbie Williamstold Deadline on Saturday thatLiam Paynes tragic death had hit him hard: Were processing a world-wide shock.
Im sat in depression, and Im sat in sadness.
A huge part of that is Liam-shaped.
‘Better Man’Paramount Pictures
I am the problem if I do nothing.
We are the problem if we dont.
Then in 2010, Williams mentored Payne and his One Direction bandmates onThe X-Factor.
Liam PayneJeff Spicer/Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal
Williams also heralded singer-songwriter Chappell Roan who has criticized the way celebrity artists are exposed.
Williams said shehad pushed backbrilliantly and Im here for that.
I used to say the same thing in the 90s, but I would get derided for it.
Like, How dare you be anything other than grateful, you ungrateful pond life.
But this is not a fame problem, this is a human problem.
This is a social problem, this is a social media problem.
This isnt just us celebrities, this is us humans.
Obviously, my first feelings towards his passing were like everyone else.
Shock, sadness and confusion.
And to be honest as I write these words thats where I still am.
I met the boys on The X Factor and mentored them.
I use the word mentored in inverted brackets cos I hardly did anything to be honest.
I just hung out with them.
They were all cheeky and lovely.
Our paths have crossed ever since that day and Im fond of them all.
